ASTA:ASTA:The Benefits of BelongingThe Benefits of Belonging

Chris Russo, ASTA President and CEOLeisure Travel Conference Nov. 16, 2008

Dedicated to the business Dedicated to the business of selling travelof selling travel

ASTA Works for You!ASTA Works for You!

Overcoming obstacles with Overcoming obstacles with help from ASTA’s Legal, help from ASTA’s Legal, Legislative and Industry Legislative and Industry

Affairs departmentsAffairs departments

Managing External FactorsManaging External Factors

Combating rising fuel pricesCombating rising fuel prices Meetings with key legislators Meetings with key legislators

in Washingtonin Washington Joining industry allies to make Joining industry allies to make

a difference, strengthen a difference, strengthen messagemessage

Victories for ASTA and AgentsVictories for ASTA and Agents

The first-ever rollback in ARC feesThe first-ever rollback in ARC fees State victories: Michigan, Texas, California, State victories: Michigan, Texas, California,

Illinois, New York and MassachusettsIllinois, New York and Massachusetts Saved agents from excessive fees, additional Saved agents from excessive fees, additional

taxestaxes

ASTA Membership BenefitsASTA Membership Benefits Green Member programGreen Member program 50+ online tools50+ online tools Airline checked baggage fees chart Airline checked baggage fees chart Financial assessment tool Financial assessment tool ARC Proposed Fee Impact Analysis ARC Proposed Fee Impact Analysis

Calculator Calculator Legislative action center Legislative action center Sample performance reviews Sample performance reviews Cruise line fuel surcharges chartCruise line fuel surcharges chart

ASTA Membership Means…ASTA Membership Means…

You have an industry ally offering support and You have an industry ally offering support and resources, 24/7 via ASTA.orgresources, 24/7 via ASTA.org

Travelers can find you on TravelSense.orgTravelers can find you on TravelSense.org Use of the ASTA logoUse of the ASTA logo Two top industry travel trade showsTwo top industry travel trade shows

Travelers TodayTravelers Today Are faced with unusual

circumstances Need an experienced,

knowledgeable travel agent Should turn to their agent, who is

supported by ASTA–the world’s largest association of travel professionals

ASTA Is ASTA Is YourYour Association Association

• ASTA membership benefits:ASTA membership benefits:• travel agentstravel agents• international travel agentsinternational travel agents• SuppliersSuppliers• travel schoolstravel schools• travel clubstravel clubs

• Visit Visit ASTA.org/joinASTA.org/join to learn to learn more about membership and more about membership and what ASTA can do for you!what ASTA can do for you!